This is a story about the Salut necklace (Kalung Salut) which is a symbol appreciating the peace and unity in Timor. Timor's Circle of Imagine Society (CIS Timor) tried to popularize the peace movement by promoting this necklace made by local artisans.

The idea of the Salut necklace (Kalung Salut) was taken from an international event. Earlier this year (March 2018), people working with American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) around the world met in Nairobi, Kenya for the second gathering of Youth in Action (YIA). Civil society activists from the United States, Indonesia, Kenya, Burundi and Somalia joined the gatherings. Lusia Carningsi Bunga from Indonesia represented CIS Timor in the event.

The theme discussed was racism about the skin color between black and white skin. This activity also discusses colonialism and imperialism with the "Resist and Build" hashtag (#ResistAndBuild).

The YIA Kenya process reinforced that the younger generation must REJECT all forms of human racism and media opinion, reject government colonialism and imperialism for a secured and quality life. Therefore young people need to build peace, comfort and make changes. One good way to start is to stop every hate speech at the level of young people, adults, business people, politicians and policy makers. Hate speech is the root of all acts of discrimination experienced throughout the world.

This Salut Necklace is one of the methods used by facilitators as an intermediary medium to understand racism, colonialism and imperialism. The different colors in the necklace reflect the unity between different communities and races. This necklace is used in youth campaigns to promote the end of hate speech and convey positive values ​​from the struggles for change. Read more here.